Traffic restricted on Andover bridge

Inspectors found significant damage

Traffic is being restricted on a bridge in Andover because of safety concerns.

The US Route 4 bridge over the Blackwater River was built in 1933, but was added to the state's "red list" in May of 2014. The state Department of Transportation says a recent inspection found extensive deterioration of portions of the steel plate girders of the 70-foot-long bridge.

Effective immediately, the bridge, which is about 1/3 of a mile from the Andover-Salisbury town line, is restricted to one lane of alternating one-way traffic. Traffic must drive down the center of the bridge. Temporary signals are being installed and the plan will remain in place indefinitely.

Transportation officials say they are evaluating options for and the feasibility of bridge repairs. A weight limit may also be added to the bridge in the future.